Invertible wound dressing and method of making the same

Abstract

A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes. Means are further included for sealing the inverted structure, preferably in the form of a flap and associated adhesive.

1. A shaped composite bandage, comprising:
 a patient-contacting absorbent layer; 
 a flexible layer attached to, and extending beyond, the absorbent layer, the flexible layer including an adhesive, a central portion, and a pair of opposed longitudinal edges terminating in two ends; 
 wherein the longitudinal edges of the flexible layer taper toward both ends such that the central portion of the flexible layer is wider than the width of the flexible layer at either end; and 
 the edges of the flexible layer create a generally hexagonal shape.